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12 Sustainability in Science
the plane to move through the air easily. Boat hulls are also designed to
emulate the shape of fish. Boat hull material mimic shark and dolphin skin
membranes. Other examples that highlight biomimicry are:
• Sonar and radar navigation technology as well as medical imaging. These
have been inspired by the echolocation abilities of bats.
• Swimsuit and bobsled clothing fabric are made using woven texture and
ribbing to minimize drag while simultaneously maintaining movement.
This is an imitation of shark’s skin.
• Space applications and adhesives for microelectronics have been inspired
by the excellent adhesion capabilities of lizards and geckos.
• Walter filters whose design imitates animal cell membranes enable filters
to allow certain things to pass through while ensuring that unwanted
substances are kept out (Bartl and Lakhtakia 2015).
• Many running shoes have been designed from technology learned during
the study of mechanics of animal feet.
• Super robust and waterproof silk fibers are made without toxic chemicals
and were inspired by spiders.
• Film utilized for flat panel displays, phone, and PDA lenses mimics the
nanostructures observed in the eyes of night-flying moths.
Some of the inventions founded/inspired by plants are:
• Velcro: hook and loop material that is inspired by cockleburs. Velcro is
used for many purposes, including bundle fishing poles, computer cord
wrap, hanging and organizing tools in the garage, and wrapping electronic
wires (Bartl and Lakhtakia 2015).
• Plant-inspired solar cells are inspired by the process of photosynthesis,
especially the capture of energy from sunlight.
• Wind-propelled planetary rover design maximizes drag and imitates tumbleweed. It is used in wind turbines to enhance function.
These case examples suggest that when biomimicry is carried out appropriately, it brings out the benefits associated with the source of inspiration.
Janine Benyus, in her book titled “Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by
Nature,” insinuates that biomimicry can be successfully applied to the
arena of environmentally friendly design. The example of waterproof silk
production by spiders is an example. The silk is a tough material and is often
produced in the water at 25 ◦ C without any high heat, chemicals, or petroleum
oil. From the above cases, it is apparent that biomimicry could be deployed as
a model for engineering designs that are beneficial for solving human issues.
With environmental concerns, biomimicry can provide suggestions for how
industrial designs could be more sustainable and right for various cultures as
well as climates.
12 Sustainability in Science
the plane to move through the air easily. Boat hulls are also designed to
emulate the shape of fish. Boat hull material mimic shark and dolphin skin
membranes. Other examples that highlight biomimicry are:
• Sonar and radar navigation technology as well as medical imaging. These
have been inspired by the echolocation abilities of bats.
• Swimsuit and bobsled clothing fabric are made using woven texture and
ribbing to minimize drag while simultaneously maintaining movement.
This is an imitation of shark’s skin.
• Space applications and adhesives for microelectronics have been inspired
by the excellent adhesion capabilities of lizards and geckos.
• Walter filters whose design imitates animal cell membranes enable filters
to allow certain things to pass through while ensuring that unwanted
substances are kept out (Bartl and Lakhtakia 2015).
• Many running shoes have been designed from technology learned during
the study of mechanics of animal feet.
• Super robust and waterproof silk fibers are made without toxic chemicals
and were inspired by spiders.
• Film utilized for flat panel displays, phone, and PDA lenses mimics the
nanostructures observed in the eyes of night-flying moths.
Some of the inventions founded/inspired by plants are:
• Velcro: hook and loop material that is inspired by cockleburs. Velcro is
used for many purposes, including bundle fishing poles, computer cord
wrap, hanging and organizing tools in the garage, and wrapping electronic
wires (Bartl and Lakhtakia 2015).
• Plant-inspired solar cells are inspired by the process of photosynthesis,
especially the capture of energy from sunlight.
• Wind-propelled planetary rover design maximizes drag and imitates tumbleweed. It is used in wind turbines to enhance function.
These case examples suggest that when biomimicry is carried out appropriately, it brings out the benefits associated with the source of inspiration.
Janine Benyus, in her book titled “Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by
Nature,” insinuates that biomimicry can be successfully applied to the
arena of environmentally friendly design. The example of waterproof silk
production by spiders is an example. The silk is a tough material and is often
produced in the water at 25 ◦ C without any high heat, chemicals, or petroleum
oil. From the above cases, it is apparent that biomimicry could be deployed as
a model for engineering designs that are beneficial for solving human issues.
With environmental concerns, biomimicry can provide suggestions for how
industrial designs could be more sustainable and right for various cultures as
well as climates.